St. Cecilia Schola Cantorum

Last Year Video

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 15:09:00 +0000

If you are considering our workshop, February 16-17, 2007, you might enjoy looking at a few clips from last year:

That Chocolate Cake

St. Cecilia Schola — Wed, 18 Oct 2006 13:40:00 +0000

We received the sad news that a member of the Schola broke her ankle. Prayers are in order, and so is the following recipe for what has emerged as the Schola's favorite cake:

Chocolate-Grand Marnier Cake

Cake:
1 box cake mix (preferably Duncan Hines or Pillsbury Moist Deluxe)
2 small boxes instant chocolate pudding
¼ to 1/3 cup sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
¼ cup vodka
¼ cup Grand Marnier (or other orange-flavored liqueur)
1 medium orange
¾ cup liquid (juice from the orange plus enough water to make ¾ cup)

Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
¼ cup Grand Marnier (or other orange-flavored liqueur)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray bundt pan with Pam. Zest the orange, being careful not to include any of the white pith. Mix all cake ingredients, including the orange zest, until well blended. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until a long wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes and then invert onto a wire rack. Using a long wooden pick, poke holes in the top and sides of the cake. While the cake is sill hot, mix the glaze ingredients until smooth and then spoon it over the cake, allowing it to soak into the holes. When the cake has completely cooled, place it in a cake keeper and store it for 12, or preferably 24, hours before serving

Gaudete

St. Cecilia Schola — Sat, 16 Dec 2006 22:06:00 +0000

"Gaudete Sunday" is one of the few days in the new Church calendar that still retains its name take from the Introit. In how many parishes will the term Gaudete be used on Sunday? At very minimum, shouldn't Gaudete be heard again?

Here is the Gregorian:

And here is a Psalm-tone version in English (from the English Gradual) that should be suitable for any parish, and can be sung by any schola.

Good news for those of you who will be attending t...

St. Cecilia Schola — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 20:28:00 +0000

Good news for those of you who will be attending the Sacred Music Workshop in February, 2007:

The Hotel at Auburn University, which is in walking distance from St. Michael's, is offering the incredible group rate of $87 per night (plus tax) for workshop attendees. The Hotel features first class guest rooms and service, one of Auburn's premier restaurants, a garden terrace brimming with Alabama sunshine, a cozy indoor lounge just right for sipping a nightcap and comparing notes with other workshop attendees, a fully equipped fitness center, and more.

The Hotel's online reservation system is undergoing an upgrade at present, so the best thing to do is call 1-800-228-2876. Mention the "Sacred Music Workshop" when you call in order to get the special rate. Reservations should be made on or before January 16, 2007.

Time to Practice O Antiphons

Jeffrey Tucker — Sat, 09 Dec 2006 18:06:00 +0000

It's time to start work on the "O Antiphons".

Scott Turkington, who will direct our workshop in February, sings the first one here.

Heaven on Earth in Mobile

St. Cecilia Schola — Mon, 04 Dec 2006 02:51:00 +0000

The Catholic Week of the Archdiocese of Mobile this week featured a front page announcement of the chant workshop at Cathedral about which there have been marvelous reports, especially from those who attended the final Mass. The workshop schola sang all the propers of the Mass according to the Graduale, and the fact of this progress has drawn some degree of national attention.

It would be impossible to express how exciting it is to see such progress being made in uniting music in such an integral way with the Mass. It is especially encouraging to scholas like ours in parishes in the archdiocese to be able to look to the Cathedral as a model for the liturgical arts. We all must express deep gratitude to Archbishop Oscar Lipscomb for encouraging these developments and being so supportive of the hard work of musicians who seek to accomplish what the Church is asking of us.

Scholarships for February workshop

St. Cecilia Schola — Wed, 29 Nov 2006 22:28:00 +0000

The 4th Annual Sacred Music Workshop will be here sooner than we know it. It is not too early to register online.

Thanks to a generous donation, a limited number of scholarships are available. Please write us to apply.

If you find you cannot come yourself, you might consider making a donation that would permit someone else to benefit from the expert instruction and fellowship with like-minded parish musicians - your choir director, a volunteer singer or organist, your pastor, or anyone who is interested in doing what Rome is calling for and breathing new life back into the chant tradition in your parish.

Deo Gratias.

Mobile Chant Workshop - Update

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 19:22:00 +0000

The Archdiocese of Mobile has graciously agreed to underwrite the Gregorian chant workshop taking place this coming Saturday, December 2nd. There will be no charge for participants.

Read more about the workshop here.

St. Cecilia, Pray for Us

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 14:59:00 +0000

Professor William Mahrt has written an inspiring letter about sacred music.

And from this site, here is a gorgeous image of our patron Saint

Christus Vincit

St. Cecilia Schola — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 20:49:00 +0000

Our parish will use the Christus Vincit as a processional chant for Christ the King. Here is the program for the liturgy.

One Latin Mass Per Parish

St. Cecilia Schola — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 16:57:00 +0000

If your parish has five Masses for Sunday, one of them should be in Latin, says Cardinal Arinze, head of the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship.

Chant Workshop and Vespers in Mobile

St. Cecilia Schola — Fri, 17 Nov 2006 12:48:00 +0000

GREGORIAN CHANT WORKSHOP

On Saturday, December 2, Cathedral Music Director Paul Hanebuth will present “Gregorian Chant in the Liturgy” at the Rectory for the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Government St. The one-day seminar will give participants an overview of the 1500-year history of Gregorian chant, and concentrate on current scholarship into performance practice in the context of both concerts and church services.

Chant practice within the Christian Church was codified during the time of Pope Gregory I (“the Great”); these chants were the only Christian sacred music performed until the advent of polyphony in the fifteenth century. During the European upheavals of the nineteenth century, much of this vast repertoire of music was in acute danger of being lost forever. Due mainly to the work of the monks of Solesmes Abbey (France) during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, manuscripts up to 1200 years old have been preserved, studied, and organized into collections useful to the present day. Analyzing the differences between manuscript copies of the same chant from different locations and times has allowed chant scholars to deduce much about rhythms, modes, and melodic interpretation that is not indicated in chants hand-copied before the invention of modern notation. During the workshop at the Cathedral, Mr. Hanebuth will discuss the impact of these historical events, as well as current performance practice according to the scholarship of the monks of Solesmes and scholars at the Vatican and elsewhere.

Mr. Hanebuth has studied the history and performance of chant with Theodore Marier and Scott Turkington of the Boston Archdiocesan Choir School, Fr. Daniel Saulnier of Solesmes Abbey, Lawrence Harris of the Canadian Symposium on Music in Liturgy, and Fr. Anthony Ruff, OSB, of St. John’s Abbey. The Cathedral-Pontifical Choir, which he directs, performs Gregorian chant weekly at cathedral masses.

There will be a minimal charge for the presentation to cover the cost of materials and lunch for participants. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 4 p.m.; participants will then be invited to apply their newly-acquired skills in performing the beautiful Proper Chants for the First Sunday of Advent at the 4:30 mass at the Cathedral.

CHORAL VESPERS

On December 3, 10, and 17, the Cathedral-Basilica of the Immaculate Conception will present Advent Choral Vespers at 4:30 p.m. A “mini-recital” will precede each service; featured performers are the Heim duo (flute and guitar), T.J. Dezauche (tenor), and Mobile’s Singing Children. The beautiful evening prayer service is a continuation of the centuries-old monastic tradition of praying Biblical texts, especially the Psalms, several times daily in an attempt to follow St. Paul’s admonition to “pray without ceasing”. Led by the Cathedral-Pontifical Choir, under the direction of Paul Hanebuth, the Vespers feature both ancient and new musical settings of psalms and canticles during a service that is almost entirely sung. The choir will also perform classic Advent choral repertoire, such as “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come” by Paul Manz and the anonymous 16th century setting of “Rejoice in the Lord Alway”. Vespers is a beautifully moving way to meditate and prepare for Jesus’ coming on Christmas Day. All are invited to attend these free presentations.

For more information on cathedral events, please contact Paul Hanebuth at 434-1573 or cathmusic@bellsouth.net

Latin Every Week

St. Cecilia Schola — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 17:14:00 +0000

Cardinal Francis Arinze, head of the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, spoke at the Gateway Liturgical Conference in St. Louis, and said that the Mass in Latin (fully in Latin, not just the sung ordinary) should be offered weekly in cities, and monthly in smaller parish outside the city. Here is the article.

The English Anthem

St. Cecilia Schola — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 15:35:00 +0000

Several schola members are helping out with a planned recital of English Anthems. The group is singing some of our favorites, and some new material as well. Here are some that are especially useful in Catholic liturgy:

If Ye Love Me, by Thomas Tallis (PDF) (Midi)
O Lord, Increase My Faith, by Henry Loosemore (mis-attributed to Gibbons) (PDF) (Midi)
Hear My Prayer, O Lord, by Henry Purcell (PDF) (Midi)
Lord, For Thy Tender Mercy's Sake, by Richard Farrant (PDF) (Midi)
O Lord Give They Holy Spirit, by Thomas Tallis (PDF) (Midi)
Prevent Us, Lord, by C.H.H. Parry (PDF) (Midi)

The Rise of the Graduale

St. Cecilia Schola — Mon, 06 Nov 2006 17:59:00 +0000

Please see these wonderful treasures, online for the first time:

Full Text of the entire Graduale 1961
Proprium de Tempore (Propers of the Liturgical Year only)
Proprium Sanctorum (Propers of the Saints)
Ordinarium Missae (Kyriale)
Index of the 1974 Graduale (find the chant for the new rite and use the files above)

Understanding the Latin in your Mass

St. Cecilia Schola — Sun, 29 Oct 2006 00:57:00 +0000

You may have taken Latin in college, but unless you were around in preconciliar days or are privileged to attend a Latin Novus Ordo Mass on a regular basis, chances are you could use some brushing up on your liturgical Latin.

Author Marion Smedberg offers a new book and accompanying audio CD, Understanding the Latin Mass: Hear and Learn the words of the Novus Ordo, that will help you delve into a fuller and more prayerful understanding of the language spoken and sung ever more frequently at Mass in your parish.

Recommended by clergy:

Marion Smedberg's book, Understanding the Latin Mass, is exceptional. We used her materials to instruct my parishioners in the basics of the Latin liturgy, enabling them to fully participate in the Latin Mass as Vatican II intended.

Father Franklyn M. McAfee, D.D.
Pastor, St. John the Beloved Catholic Church, McLean, VA

Read more here

The Joy of Chant

Jeffrey Tucker — Sat, 28 Oct 2006 15:18:00 +0000

Singers should always do their best to convey joy within the chant tradition when it is appropriate to do so—not in the same earth-bound way that contemporary pop music does but in a manner that points to transcendent joy, infused with the mysterious awe that comes from reflection on the final victory over death.

Thus this weekend's communio: Laetabimur

It begins with rejoicing in long and melismatic phrase. Economy is given up in favor of extended exuberance. The schola joins by picking the phrase and taking it to its highest point in the middle of the word salvation. The name of the Lord follows with two successive affirmations of the Trinity. We end with the phrase on "magnificabimur" in which the last syllable seems to wait and wait until the last possible moment. The "mur" here recalls the initial "mur" in laetabimur.

Joy and pride in our God!

Different chants require subtle changes in tempo but this one should be sung on the faster end of the metronome. We are attempting about 184 beats per minute for the punctum—which is quite fast, faster the adult heart pulses during strenuous exercise but on the upper end of a child's pulse after play. The same sense is conveyed here in a contained and upward looking way. This is the song of salvation. Learn it for Sunday and you will carry it in your heart all week.

Here is a version you can print and learn, with Psalms.

Gregorian Chant in Reno, Nevada

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 01:29:00 +0000

Colleague and crusader Greg Plese of California reports on this past weekend's chant workshop in Reno, Nevada:

This past Friday and Saturday, October 20 and 21, Professor William Mahrt [of Stanford University and president of the Church Music Association of America] conducted a chant workshop at St. Thomas Aquinas Cathedral in Reno, NV. About 26 people from Nevada, California, and Idaho attended.

Professor Mahrt began the workshop by commenting that, for hundreds of years, people learned chant by listening and memorizing, since notation had not been developed. So, for the first hour, we learned several chants without any musical notation. Fortunately for us participants, this was not the rule for the entire workshop, but we did see an obvious difference when we went from singing by imitation to singing from notation: where initially we were singing a melody, and making the subtle changes in rhythm and intonation characteristic of a song, when we picked up the notated version, we immediately stated "singing the notes", that is, focusing on each individual neume rather than the phrasing of the verse as a whole. It was an illuminating experience.

Professor Mahrt spoke at length about beauty: not only are the chants beautiful, but they bring beauty to the liturgy. In explaining some of the definitions of beauty that have come to us from St. Thomas and others, he showed how the use of chant not only elucidates the text of the verse, but its setting and employment at different parts of the liturgy can vary according to its liturgical function. Using the Psalm text "Justus ut palma florebit: sicut cedrus Libani multiplicabitur", he showed how different types of melodies allowed the same verse to be used as an Introit, an Offertory, a Gradual, an Alleluia, and as a regular Psalm verse. The differences in the melody and the use of melisma point up the different functions the verse is playing in the liturgy at that point: accompanying a procession of ministers, the incensing of the altar and the congregation, or as a call to mediation and attentiveness to the readings.

The beauty of chant, when properly employed, brings us back to the sacred, and makes the liturgy more sacred. Chant is recognizable as 'sacred' music, even to those who do not know what it is, because of it "aims at something beyond", which Professor Mahrt explained was a phrase that a colleague of his always used.

He also told many anecdotes in the course of the two days. One concerned monastic rules for pausing between the two 'halves' of a Psalm verse sung to a Psalm tone: some abbeys suggested the silent recitation of "Ave" between the two parts; others, "Ave Maria". A friend of his found the instruction, at St. Alban's, of saying "Ave Maria, gratia plena, Dominus tecum", which she was sure was a mistake, but on attending a service in that cathedral, found that the reverberation of the space required just that amount of silence between the verses. He also told a personal story of his background, and mentioned that growing up he never realized that anything except the "4 hymn sandwich" existed as a model for the liturgy until, as a music major in graduate school, he was told to learn all the chants for Holy Week to assist in the liturgies. This was the first time he had ever heard chant, and he remembers the occasion and the beauties of the chants to this day.

The workshop concluded with the attendees singing for the Saturday evening Mass at the Cathedral. The propers for the 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time were sung for the Introit ("Ego clamavi"), Offertory ("Meditabor"), and Communion ("Domine Dominus Noster") from the Gregorian Missal, and the Ordinary for Mass XI (Orbis Factor) was used, with the substitution of the Gloria from Mass VIII (De Angelis).

Our Own "Pater Noster"

St. Cecilia Schola — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:32:00 +0000

The schola is thrilled that Michael Lawrence of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, wrote a piece for us to sing, and also agreed to make it available for free download. It is here: Pater Noster.

The piece is written in 3/4 but the barlines are merely a convention. It is sung as more of a recitation, very slowly. We've been liberally minded in adding pauses, phrases, and dynamics as needed, since Michael deliberately provided none to allow for interpretation to take its own course.

Motet settings of the Pater Noster are rare, because the text itself was reserved to the celebrant in the Ordo Antiquus.

The harmonies in this piece are "modern" in the sense that he uses long stretches of 7th chords but the sensibility borrows from the Golden Age of polyphony. Our schola agreed that Lawrence has written a true love song here.

We will it for postcommunion, this Sunday. Thank you so much, our dear friend Michael Lawrence, especially for your generosity in making this freely available.

Ut Queant Laxis

St. Cecilia Schola — Thu, 12 Oct 2006 14:34:00 +0000

There is a marvelous story behind the Ut Queant Laxis, the hymn to St. John the Baptist that the Schola is singing as a prelude this Sunday, the 28th in Ordinary Time. Its origins date to the 8th century.

Each phrase in the stanza moves up the hexachord step by step. And note the sylables: Ut, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La. Replace the Ut with a Do, and you have the basis of the De Re Mi system called solfege that most scholas use to navigate their way through the pitches in chant notation. This system was also made famous in the movie "The Sound of Music" and is taught in the Ward Method of musical pedagogy.

It is not only a charming melody, it is also very beautiful. Here is the download.

Alma Redemptoris Mater

Jeffrey Tucker — Thu, 05 Oct 2006 14:47:00 +0000

For Advent, the Solemn version of this incredible piece of music has not appeared on line, until now.

DiLasso Duets

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 26 Sep 2006 18:28:00 +0000

Singers are very fortunate the Orlando Di Lasso took time out to write 25 or so duets designed for training singers in sight reading and technique. They are also very beautiful, and even useful for liturgical purposes. Their texts are all liturgical. They assist in helping singers master the ability to blend, navigate a wide range, be precise in rhythm, and develop interpretive capacity.

The site that offered 7 of them is difficult to navigate, so the St. Cecilia Schola is pleased to make this packet available for download.

Communion Antiphons

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 20:08:00 +0000

The CMAA is engaged in one of the most important online publishing projects in many years: Communion Antiphons with Psalms.

St. Cecilia Schola Workshop Downloads

St. Cecilia Schola — Tue, 12 Sep 2006 18:48:00 +0000

More details of our Sacred Music Workshop, February 16-17, 2007.

Even if you can't come, please feel free to download the prepared packets.

23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time

St. Cecilia Schola — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:02:00 +0000

It's been some time since we've uploaded a sample of our Sunday program, so here is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. We don't usually list the composers, simply because doing so introduces a nonliturgical focus on personality. But in this program, the Gloria Patri for the Introit is from Thomas Tallis. The Ego Sum is G. Palestrina. The Anima Mea is a wonderful piece by Martin De Rivaflecha. The Communion verses are printed in English but sung in Latin.